Drug Chain Takes Stand Against Mail Order

North Carolina-based Kerr Drug is standing firm against pharmacy benefit plans that compel patient members to fill maintenance medications exclusively through mail-order pharmacies. All of Kerr?s 130 stores will no longer accept participation in any new plan requiring patients to exclusively order maintenance drugs via the mail. This decision, however, does not impact patients covered by prescription plans that already have this component in place.

"Mandatory mail order prevents patients, particularly the elderly, from personal interaction with their pharmacists of choice. They are the ones most likely to be on multiple medications. They are most likely to be confused by mail order. And they are the most likely to be harmed by forced participation in a mail-order plan," said Anthony N. Civello, Kerr Drug president and chief executive officer.